This is "feel good" survey number 11. Life can make us grumpy at times. Mondays are well known for it. This survey may not arrive on a Monday, but it may improve your mood today.

1. My nephew Oliver (Ollie) is/was deaf until he had cochlear implants last year. My brother tried to describe the look on Ollie's face when he heard dad's voice for the first time and I suspect it was something like the ones shown in this clip. Have you ever experienced (personally or vicariously) a life changing medical procedure like this?

2. And now for something completely different. Some of us have made our Christmas wish list and some of us will have too many things on it. Meanwhile in Africa, people make do with much less but are no less happy. I enjoyed these clips for the lesson they give about overcoming adversity with determination, perseverance, ingenuity and a high degree of invention. Did you enjoy these clips?

3. It you want to experience the joy that comes from simple pleasures, one way to do it is to share your love with a dog. Nothing makes them happier. Joy is everywhere. Will you both get and give some this season?

4. If you don't have a dog to bring you joy, there are other animals out there that may provide temporary support - at least the kids think so. When there is no fear to deter us, much can be accomplished. New friendships can begin like the ones in these examples? Do you wish you could make friends as easily as these kids do?